HCCAO believes that:

• Quality in home-based care is achieved through licensing standards, fair remuneration, training, education and social support.
• Licensing standards should apply to all home-based child care.
• Legislated standards should apply to all home-based child care.
• All children should have equal access to quality care.
• Providers should receive fair payment.

Goals of HCCAO

Spring 2008

The revised ‘Private Home Day Care Manual and Licensing Checklist’ is well underway. We understand that there are a number of upgrades to the Checklist and that licensing specialists throughout the Province will be trained accordingly. As many of you know, the HCCAO contributed substantially to the revision of this document through meetings and discussions. We are optimistic that the latest upgrades will make a real difference to the standards of care. While we will continue to report on the efforts and communications with the Ministry, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your assistance and feedback.

The HCCAO believes that parents should have choices when it comes to childcare.

Many parents tell us that they believe "Licensed Home Childcare," offers the best of both worlds. That is the benefits of a family atmosphere and individual attention combined with legislated standards of quality and safety.

Home Childcare is offered to children under the age of 13 years in approved home settings. Home Childcare agencies are licensed through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Parents have the right to expect the following standards: